Aggies BlitZ: What to watch vs. Louisiana Tech

COLLEGE STATION — Forget Sonny Dykes’ won-loss record. He’s going to be compared to his father’s one-liner record. Poor guy, there’s no way he can measure up to the old man – no one can.

Sonny, son of Spike, is in his first year as a head coach on any level, and he brings his Louisiana Tech squad to Kyle Field starting 6 tonight. Sonny, a former Texas Tech offensive coordinator under Mike Leach, has said Kyle Field is one of his all-time favorite venues.

Let’s see if he feels the same way late tonight, after what has all the earmarks of an Aggies blowout. A few things to watch for (I apologize for the wording for those not at Kyle Field) against the Bulldogs, who defeated Grambling State 20-6 a week ago:

Will linebacker Von Miller play?

Miller missed most of A&M’s 48-7 victory over Stephen F. Austin a week ago with a sprained ankle. He probably can play against Louisiana Tech, the question is will he. The Aggies need him healthy for their Sept. 30 Big 12 opener at Oklahoma State. Plus, freshman Damontre Moore is earning valuable playing time in Miller’s absence. The downside: Miller probably won’t lead the nation in sacks this year.

Will Johnson throw deep?

Senior quarterback Jerrod Johnson didn’t throw particularly well against SFA, especially in under-throwing a couple of deep balls. Johnson, who underwent shoulder surgery in January, vows he’s going to turn loose a couple of long balls against the Bulldogs. And as we all know, fans dig the long ball.

How can the Aggies be any cleaner?

It will be tough for A&M to improve upon its numbers from last week. Zero turnovers. Three penalties. Ninety-nine plays. Mike Sherman will take all three every Saturday. Here’s how A&M can improve: Start more quickly. The Aggies led SFA only 7-0 going into the second quarter, and 20-7 at halftime before finally blowing the game open before a crowd of 81,287 with 28 unanswered points in the second half.

Lennon Creer

I have no idea if his mom was a Beatles fan. I do know the Bulldogs running back gained 69 yards on 17 carries last week against Grambling. And that the Tatum product transferred from Tennessee and is eager to showcase his skills against a school that recruited him a couple of years ago. A&M’s run defense will face a decent test against Creer – but he won’t mean the difference between winning and losing.

Kicking Whoas!

The Aggies have got to find somebody who can kick it in (or even near) the end zone. Randy Bullock failed at that against SFA. Will a frustrated Mike Sherman wind up pulling a true 12th Man from the stands? Stay tuned.

Familiar faces:

Bulldogs backup quarterback Steven Ensminger is the son of the former A&M offensive coordinator of the same name. Louisiana Tech defensive line coach Stan Eggen and inside receivers/special teams coach Mark Tommerdahl coached at A&M under Dennis Franchione.

What say you Bob French?

KBTX-TV’s venerable weatherman calls for a high of 95 degrees today and a low of 77 tonight. No rain is forecast on what should be a pleasant enough evening for football. At least by about 8 p.m.

PREDICTION: Texas A&M 42, Louisiana Tech 10

The Bulldogs have never come within single digits of the Aggies in nine previous meetings. That won’t change tonight and, no, the Aggies won’t be caught looking ahead to Florida International.